George Lee Fortner, 82, 52-year resident of Oak Harbor, died May 7, 2004 at Whidbey General Hospital.

Mr. Fortner was born July 26, 1921, in Shelbyville, Ky. He graduated from high school in Louisville, Ky. He became the recording secretary of the CIO Union while employed at the Henry Vogt Machine Co. in Kentucky. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1942 and served in both the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II, as well as being a Korean War veteran. He came to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in 1952, serving with VP2, VAH6 and twice with FAU ComFair Whidbey, from which he retired in 1962.

He married Brigitta Nienhagen on Nov. 25, 1972. He was the third owner of Island Cleaners and served on the Oak Harbor City Council. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Masonic Lodge and was a Shriner. He also was a member of Fleet Reserve and the VFW Post No. 7392.

George is survived by his wife, Brigitta, of Oak Harbor; two daughters, Yvonne Van Cleef and husband William of Oak Harbor and Peggy Age and husband Ronald of Louisville, Ky.; four grandchildren, Kevin and Mike Age and Vincent and Johanna (Hannie) Van Cleef.

Burial will take place at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent Friday, May 14. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, P.O. Box 31356, Tampa, FL 33631-3356. Arrangements under direction of Burley Funeral Chapel.